'I can't get insurance for my trip of a lifetime'

Robert Hunt writes

My wife and I are planning an eight-month world trip starting December 2017 to celebrate my retirement. But, I am having problems obtaining travel insurance because once I turn 66 (this November) the maximum period of cover for a single-trip policy reduces from 550 days to around 189 days.

Even finding this length of cover is hard; most insurers will only cover older travellers for up to 90 days. Others say I can’t take out a policy more than 12 months in advance of travel, so I can’t take advantage of the lower rate for buying insurance before I reach 66.

One insurer, Staysure, was prepared to offer me a policy 13 months in advance of travel. This seemed perfect but when I asked to book it, the offer unravelled. I was told that I needed proof of a prepaid flight reservation or hotel accommodation to purchase this far in advance. Unfortunately, airlines only sell tickets 11 months or so in advance of travel. Do you know of any company that can tailor a policy for our proposed lifetime experience?

Gill Charlton, consumer correspondent, replies

Readers often complain that insurers penalise customers over the age of 65 even though they are much healthier than their forebears. But there are reasons for this. Insurers tell me that the newly retired set off on world trips with undiagnosed health issues that come to light only when they swap a desk for a hike in the heat. And when they do fall ill, there’s a tendency for doctors to over-treat to cover themselves against a malpractice claim, especially in the US.

I suggested that Mr Hunt contact travel insurance specialist Campbell Irvine (020 7938 1734; campbellirvinedirect.com) which could tailor a policy to his requirements. It came up with a single-trip worldwide policy valid for eight months from December 1 2017 for £457 per person (if bought before his 66th birthday). This includes £3,000 of cancellation cover and £10 million for medical expenses.

Readers often complain that the travel insurance world penalises customers over the age of 65 even though they are much healthier than their forebears

This rate assumes the customer is in good health. However, the Hunts have pre-existing medical conditions which added a total of £598.19 to the premium. This brings the total to £1,512.19 for eight months, a good result given their medical conditions.

This long-stay policy can be bought until the age of 69 (you can travel aged 70). Another company that specialises in long-stay policies is Worldwide Insure (01892 833338; worldwideinsure.com) which has no upper age limit – though the cost will increase considerably once you are over 69. It also offers this insurance for expatriates living in the EU. You can also extend the policy while you are away. However, it cannot be used as a form of private health insurance so customers need to read the small print carefully.

Once you are over 65, Worldwide Insure’s policy provides cover for up to 12 months, but only six of those months can be spent outside of the EU, Australia and New Zealand. In the case of Mr Hunt, it would quote £881 for him and £713 for his wife. It says their medical conditions appear to be quite low risk so should pose little problem though they would have to undergo medical screening.